New scandals pour more fuel on Iraq protests The popular protests in Iraq are still spreading, putting the government into even more of a corner. Iraq
Some Hamas members in West Bank fret over elections Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip and West Bank express contrasting positions about participating in the Palestinian elections in light of the hard security conditions Hamas members are subjected to in the West Bank. Palestine
Protests bring people from all classes to posh Beirut Downtown Since protests broke out across the country, people from all social classes have gathered in downtown Beirut, which previously had become the domain of the city's upper crust. Lebanon
Fatah, Hamas fight over Turkey Both Hamas and Fatah are intensifying contacts with Turkey, in tandem with the preparation for Palestinian elections. Palestine
US says Israeli settlements not necessarily illegal A US shift on settlements comes after European court decision on labeling settlement products. Palestine
Djerejian: In addressing uprisings in Middle East, first 'do no harm' Former US diplomat Edward Djerejian also sees opportunity for US diplomacy in Gulf crisis. Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu’s yes-men get ministerial portfolios Obviously, the criteria for being appointed new minister in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s caretaker government is not competencies but loyalty to the chief. Israel
Turkey remains determined to keep Russian missiles After last week’s meeting between the US and Turkish presidents, some in Washington seem hopeful Turkey won't activate its Russian-made S-400 missile system, but Ankara insists Turkey didn’t buy the $2 billion weapons system to mothball it. Turkey
Israeli politicians prefer chaos over Jewish-Arab partnership Most Israeli Arabs aspire to integrate into the general society, but the country’s political leadership is engaged in a hate campaign against them. Israel
Turkey's defense industry sees rise of 'the president’s men' Decision-making power in Turkey's defense industry is shifting from the military to businessmen close to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Qatar
Netanyahu draws careful line between Arab Israelis, Arab parties Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has obviously changed tactics: Instead of attacking directly Israeli-Arab citizens, he is targeting the Knesset members of the Joint List. Israel
Iranian media seems to be preparing public for clampdown on protests The IRGC issued a statement warning that continued unrest would result in a firm confrontation. Iran
Trump and Erdogan: A transatlantic love affair Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Donald Trump of the United States get along very well but appear to achieve little for the countries' long-term relationship. Turkey
Protesters in Iraq’s Nasiriyah fear Iran-backed armed groups In the southern Iraqi province of Dhi Qar, activists say they fear they will be targeted by Iran-backed armed groups. Iraq
Hamas sets some demands for elections, concedes others Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas are moving closer to agreeing on election stipulations, but some conditions must still be addressed. Palestine
Queen of Lebanese hip-hop raps on revolution Veteran Middle Eastern hip-hop artist Malikah's new release at the height of the Lebanese protests marks a shift in her music and views on Lebanon. Lebanon
